An incoming sophomore at UC Riverside, Stafone was on a camping trip with friends at the Union Valley Reservoir.

Jackson’s friends called authorities at 12:45 p.m. on Aug. 2 and his body was found roughly three hours later.

“The swim was harder than they anticipated and after resting the group began swimming back,” El Dorado County sheriff’s Sgt. Jim Byers told the Mountain Democrat. “Approximately halfway back, Jackson began yelling for help and quickly sank before his friends could get to him.”

Stafone was a key member of Mission’s historic 2010 San Francisco Section championship team and was a three-year letterman. He lettered two years in football.

As good as he was as an athlete, he was the school’s top scholar in 2009-2010 and volunteered his time to community services.

“It’s really tragic,” Zelaya told Balan today. “He’s one of the greatest kids I’ve ever worked with. He was just an outstanding person.”

Stafone’s Facebook page reveals more than 600 friends. His favorite team was the Miami Heat. His favorite athletes: Dwayne Wade, Pau Gasol and Jerry Rice.

His taste in music – wow – Eminem, Lil’ Wayne and Coldplay. How diverse is that?

If his thirst for life and fun isn’t revealed there, how about this? This is how he wanted to be remembered: “If your not laughin, your not livin. I CHANGE the future. I look back at the PAST. i WRITE the present. I will not give up or lose. Love is forever and forever is love. I will believe as long as i am Staf1!!”